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In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.
[Jose Narosky]
November 11 is the day I thank the powers that be for the opportunities I’ve had in life. I served from 1963 to 1969 so that makes me a Navy veteran, but I’m not a veteran in the sense that most people think of when they say veteran. I’ve never manned a gun in a ball turret, nor have I crouched in a fox hole next to a wounded buddy. I’ve never stormed a beach, driven a tank along a mined road, nor waded through a rice paddy with an M-16 in my hands. I wasn’t the 17-year old in bed #9 with a missing leg, and thousand-yard stare.
The Navy paid for my last two years of college, and I simply spent the next four years doing the same work I’d have done if I’d been a civilian, but getting better pay. The Navy launched me into my adulthood and shaped the direction of my life. I learned to grieve. I learned to serve. I learned to say, “No excuse, Sir.” I learned to truly care. I learned to hate the war, but love the warriors. I grew up.
Knitting, writing and other joys 
Katherine,
From one nurse to another, I admire your service to our country. I know you made a positive difference to all those warriors who paid the highest price for their service just by being you. God Bless you for your valuable service to our country.
You carried them, those wounded, through their bad times and healing as assuredly as one of their comrades would have from the field – thank you for your service, Veteran Nurse.
Well I’m cryin’! The response from your daughter did it – I remember the many love notes my DD has tucked into my life over the years… When they see us with their eyes – and what they see is lovely – well, it overwhelmes. I never see myself the way she sees me and I am amazed at her thoughts. I love the respect your loved one offers you. It’s worth millions – especially in this world of condemnation and negativity. My Daddy and brother never needed a Nurse but they had buddys… God Bless you [and not just on Veterans Day]. You are a blessing in so many, many ways. Thank you. mm
Mom you are a veteran in every sense of the word. Do not discount or make light of what you did. As you remember that 17 year old kid in bed 9 missing a leg, I am quite sure there are those who remember that nice young Ensign who took care of them at their worst with a smile on her face. You know that must have meant a lot to them. Serving is the Solder in the foxhole, the Marine storming the beach, the Airman refueling in mid-air The Sailor in his Pea coat and watch cap roving on the mid-watch. The Nurse tending to the wounded stateside with the mud still wet on their jungle boots.
So in conclusion. Not matter where you served, when you served, how you served. You Served defending democracy for the greatest country in the world.
From one old sailor to another. I wish you Farewell and following seas